From 9 to 11 May, the town of Bar in Montenegro hosted the European Gaming Summit, one of the most exciting regional events dedicated to gaming, technology, and the digital future. The stage featured representatives from Olympic committees, tech startups, and e-sports federations – and HAŠK Mladost had its man in the right place: Bojan Mijatović, International Cooperation Coordinator at HAŠK Mladost and Director for Development and Sustainability at the European Multisport Club Association (EMCA).

At the panel EU-Funded Opportunities in Gaming and Tech, alongside Mario Čelan from Novska and other experts, Bojan presented to the audience the opportunities that European funding programmes offer for the development of the gaming industry and tech innovation. He also gave concrete advice to young professionals and organisations on how to actively engage in digital transformation through EU projects.

Before launching any international cooperation, it’s essential to align your organisation’s priorities with those of the funding calls. Check your internal capacities, plan a realistic timeline and – most importantly – don’t be afraid to start. EU programmes are not just for the big players, they’re a tool for growth for those who prepare well, Bojan Mijatović advised.

Beyond the EU funding panel, the three-day conference offered a variety of engaging discussions – from using video games in education and tackling legal challenges in e-sports, to global e-sports competitions and the future of gaming festivals. A highlight was the panel on the Olympic movement, where it was confirmed that the International Olympic Committee has officially endorsed the development of the Olympic Esports Series – a kind of “World Cup” in video gaming.

All of this proves that gaming is no longer just entertainment. Today, it connects technology, sport, education and the creative industries, opening doors for cooperation at both local and international levels.